Luxury handbag maker Mulberry has headhunted the managing director of Hermès France, Bruno Guillon, to be its next chief executive.
Mr Guillon will work with current chief executive and chairman Godfrey Davis for three months to ensure a smooth transition before taking over on March 1. Mr Davis will continue as non-executive chairman.
Mulberry, based at Chilcompton, north Somerset, said it had been actively searching for the right candidate since the beginning of this year.
Mr Davis said: “Bruno brings with him a wealth of luxury goods experience and an ability to drive our ambitious plans for international growth.”
Mr Guillon worked for LVMH and Nina Ricci before becoming responsible for Hermès Sellier SARL’s French subsidiary four years ago.
He will also work closely with creative director Emma Hill and the management team which has been responsible for the brand's recent stellar performance.
Ms Hill said: "I am really looking forward to working with Bruno – we share the same vision for the brand. He brings an instinctive understanding of quality and an international perspective that will be invaluable in the next stages of our growth."
Mr Guillon added: "I look forward to continuing the dynamic success that the group has achieved. It is a great English brand with a unique heritage and an exceptional opportunity for growth.”
